<![CDATA[ Union Education Minister Orders Withdrawal of NCERT Class 8 Textbook Following Supreme Court Ban ]]> Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to immediately withdraw a Class 8 Social Science textbook after the Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on its publication and circulation over a chapter discussing corruption in the judiciary. The minister described the inclusion of the chapter as "unfortunate" and assured that the government would fully comply with the Court's directions.

Speaking to the media, Pradhan expressed regret over the controversy, stating that the Ministry of Education has no intention of undermining the judicial system. He confirmed that all printed copies of the textbook would be withdrawn and that digital dissemination would also cease in accordance with the Supreme Court's order. The minister further announced that the Education Ministry has initiated an inquiry and instructed the department secretary to identify those responsible for approving the content.

The controversy centres on a chapter in the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook that discussed issues related to corruption within the judiciary. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Supreme Court observed that the content could adversely affect public confidence in the judicial institution, particularly among young students. The Court ordered an immediate halt to the publication, reprinting, sale, and digital circulation of the textbook while also directing authorities to remove all existing copies from circulation.

The apex court also initiated contempt proceedings against senior education officials and sought explanations regarding the inclusion of the disputed material. During the hearing, the Bench emphasised the importance of preserving public trust in the judiciary while clarifying that the proceedings should not be interpreted as an attempt to suppress legitimate academic discussion or criticism.

Following the Court's order, NCERT issued a public advisory requesting individuals, schools, booksellers, and institutions in possession of the textbook to return their copies. The council also urged anyone who had shared excerpts from the chapter on social media or digital platforms to remove the content in compliance with the judicial directive.

The incident has sparked renewed debate on textbook review mechanisms, curriculum oversight, and the balance between academic discourse and institutional accountability. As investigations continue, the Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that future educational content adheres to constitutional values, academic standards, and legal requirements.

]]> en Wed, 07 01, 2026 10:30 am <![CDATA[ Union Education Minister Orders Withdrawal of NCERT Class 8 Textbook Following Supreme Court Ban ]]> Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to immediately withdraw a Class 8 Social Science textbook after the Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on its publication and circulation over a chapter discussing corruption in the judiciary. The minister described the inclusion of the chapter as "unfortunate" and assured that the government would fully comply with the Court's directions.

Speaking to the media, Pradhan expressed regret over the controversy, stating that the Ministry of Education has no intention of undermining the judicial system. He confirmed that all printed copies of the textbook would be withdrawn and that digital dissemination would also cease in accordance with the Supreme Court's order. The minister further announced that the Education Ministry has initiated an inquiry and instructed the department secretary to identify those responsible for approving the content.

The controversy centres on a chapter in the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook that discussed issues related to corruption within the judiciary. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Supreme Court observed that the content could adversely affect public confidence in the judicial institution, particularly among young students. The Court ordered an immediate halt to the publication, reprinting, sale, and digital circulation of the textbook while also directing authorities to remove all existing copies from circulation.

The apex court also initiated contempt proceedings against senior education officials and sought explanations regarding the inclusion of the disputed material. During the hearing, the Bench emphasised the importance of preserving public trust in the judiciary while clarifying that the proceedings should not be interpreted as an attempt to suppress legitimate academic discussion or criticism.

Following the Court's order, NCERT issued a public advisory requesting individuals, schools, booksellers, and institutions in possession of the textbook to return their copies. The council also urged anyone who had shared excerpts from the chapter on social media or digital platforms to remove the content in compliance with the judicial directive.

The incident has sparked renewed debate on textbook review mechanisms, curriculum oversight, and the balance between academic discourse and institutional accountability. As investigations continue, the Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that future educational content adheres to constitutional values, academic standards, and legal requirements.

]]> News 2 Wed, 07 01, 2026 10:30 am